clawhammer

Thanks, this is certainly something I'll have to consider. This is a MUCH better value proposition than an FJ. $42k original MSRP for $8k, vs $26k original MSRP for $17k. Do the Expeditions come with Air ride, or is it a traditional suspension? How well can they go off-road? I'm not talking about rock crawling, but perhaps a trail that requires some ground clearance and 4wd.

clawhammer

I like the idea of turning it into an adventure vehicle. I like the enclosed back, where I can lay out a mattress, pull up somewhere remote, and spend a night. I don't see many advantages to a truck over a full-sized SUV.

clawhammer

I like the 2010+ 4Runners, but those seem to be outside of my budget. I believe the 4Runner is the same chasis as the Lexus GX470, but I could be wrong.

clawhammer

Sure a domestic will have a few more problems, but the parts will be cheaper. A Tahoe or Expedition will be found in every junkyard. A Toyota, probably not.

As far as towing, it will be mainly snowmobiles in the winter. Every once in a while I'd like to be able to tow a car, but that will not be too often. I like to be self-sufficient and be able to run down to U-haul, rent a trailer and throw a car on it instead of having to find someone to borrow a bigger tow vehicle from.

Chuck S

3d Generation Expeditions ('07-'17) have all coil spring suspensions on 95% of them with air leveling on some high trim lines -- which I avoided. These are on full frames with the tow receiver connected to the frame. 9" of ground clearance (but so does my Outback). Part time 4WD (2H, 4A, 4A,4L) dash selective. Limited slip differentials optional but usually on the HD Tow versions. Off road performance is tire dependent. "AT tires never got me stuck. Real off-road tires would be better of course. These ain't rock crawlers, they're 6000 pound trucks. I believe they all have 7 or 8 passenger capacity and the 2d and 3d row seats fold. My 3d row is typically covered with a HD cargo mat and rarely used for seating.

The young couple who bought my '07 last summer was thrilled it only had 180K miles on it. Their pickup had close to 300K. Same 5.4 V8 and they were keeping the pickup too.

-- Chuck

rob-2

clawhammer

This looks slightly less redneck:

https://imgur.com/w1HUVMF

rwheelz

My Touareg TDI was flawless in terms of reliability. Oil changes, tire rotations and fuel filter changes and that was it. Regularly towed 6000 lbs with ease. It got 30mpg on the highway and had a range of over 700 miles. Mine was a 2015. Perhaps the older ones had issues? I wouldn't buy the V10 TDI.

I also had the LX450 and LX470 and towed a car with both. The 470 towed well, but CHUGGED fuel when towing at about 7-8mpg. The Touareg doubles that towing the same load and handles it better. It makes over 400 ft-lbs of torque (and APR tunes are available). The american SUV options will all be cheaper.

clawhammer

Yeah, I was referring to the V10 TDI as that is the only one in my price range. I could afford a Gen2 with a gas engine though, which I may consider

rwheelz

It drives like a gutless turd, but has the same tow rating.